WORLD Cup goalkeeper David James has given new Bristol City manager Keith Millen his total backing.

And England's former number one says he has no intention of quitting Ashton Gate following Steve Coppell's shock resignation.

Coppell stunned the Championship club when leaving his post last Thursday, just three months after succeeding Gary Johnson as boss.

Assistant to the last three City managers, Millen's appointment on a three-year-contract sparked fears that star signing James might undergo a change of heart.

Although he admits the chance to work with Coppell had a major bearing on his decision to quit the Premier League, James insists he is prepared to work under Millen and claims he is committed to helping the Robins win promotion.

Once Coppell's departure was confirmed, the former Liverpool and Aston Villa keeper sought a meeting with Millen to clarify the situation.

"I wanted to talk to the new manager and see what he was all about," revealed James, who returned in goal for Saturday's 1-1 Championship draw at Doncaster.

"I needed to know what direction he was going in and I wanted to know that he knew what he was doing.

"Keith has been here for a few years now and his experience is an important factor. He knows most of the lads well and did a good job as caretaker manager at the end of last season.

"Those players who were here last season know his capabilities and the improved performance on Saturday was testament to the faith the lads have in his ability."

Beaten by Millwall and Southend United under Coppell, City improved significantly to return from Doncaster with their first point of the season.

Millen changed formation and tactics and the Robins were just two minutes away from registering their first victory when Billy Sharp cancelled out Damion Stewart's 49th-minute opener.

James said: "Keith got the lads organised for the game and it was a more cohesive performance than the previous two.

"We defended well, were disciplined and looked solid at the back. We didn't create many chances, but we were getting into positions where we looked as though we could create them.

"We've made progress and now we have a good working week before we play Barnsley in our next game."

James agreed a one-year deal with the option of a further 12 months when he signed last month and he said: "Of course I'm happy to play for Bristol City. I knew when I signed that coming here was not going to be an easy option. It's not as though we're going to storm the league or anything like that.

"Everything in my life is up in the air at the moment.

"This is a new environment for me and I've only been here a few weeks. For me, there was a lot going on anyway, so Steve Coppell leaving is just another bit of upheaval.

"As I've said before, he was a major factor in me coming here. But, having said that, I think Keith's organisation is pretty good and I believe that will reap us the reward I came to the club for. I want to be chasing promotion and the play-offs and I know Keith wants the same thing."

Of Coppell's unexpected departure, he said: "I think you have to give credit to Mr Coppell for the fact he left when he did rather than dragging it out until Christmas which, in some people's eyes, might have been an easier option.

"The decision was made early and it means we have pretty much the full season to get on with things."